Inter won in Serie A and lost in Europe, Milan drew twice last week, Fiorentina won
twice and Juventus won then had the middle of the week off.
Wins for Sampdoria, Lazio, Empoli, Palermo
and Udinese set smiles off in Genoa, Rome, Empoli, Palermo and Udine.
Losses for Genoa, Catania, Roma, Napoli, Atalanta, Cagliari
and Reggina means tears in Genoa, Catania, Rome, Naples, Bergamo, Cagliari and
Reggio Calabria.
Draws for Parma, Siena, Torino mean scratched heads in Parma,
Siena and Turin.
Shock of the week, Empoli handing it to Napoli in Naples.
Non shock of the week, Inter wins, again.
FIXTURES
Reggina V Juventus
A week without the hullabaloo of Europe
will be good for the Bianconeri, time to relax and plan for a second place
challenge. Reggina have had some soul
searching to do on the back of four losses, it looks bleak for the Amaranto.
Reggina were hammered by four in their last meeting.
The firepower at home is weak (if not AWOL) and Juventus
have an awful lot of talent.
Milan V Palermo
A tough trip to London
and a laundry list of injuries will be tough for the Rossoneri to overcome and
bring their all to the Stadio Meazza against tough but fragile opposition. Palermo may
have turned a corner but will be wary of the Milan side at home and be in a cautiously buoyant
mood.
Palermo
beat Milan Palermo earlier this season.
Inconsistent form is the bane of both clubs with a lot to
play for this could be a cracker or a tight and tense draw. Managers and players will decide the outcome;
fresher legs may play a part. Europe beckons.
Torino V Parma
Neither side scored in the last round of Serie A. The Toros are in more ebullient form than the
Gialloblu although neither side is yet free of relegation worries.
Parma beat Torino in Parma.
The forwards aren’t firing particularly well for either club
but expect the home side to be less cautious.
Has all the makings of a defensive draw so it’ll probably be hugely one
sided or something.
Atalanta V Sienna
Comfortably mid table versus uncomfortably close to the
bottom three. Sienna comes into the game
with one loss in their last three while Atalanta has one win in five.
The Zebrette and Nerrazzurri drew in Siena.
Siena
play well but struggle to finish and Atalanta are much too inconsistent
recently. Best possible game would ensue
if Sienna scored first and early.
Cagliari
V Lazio
Finally the Romans won whilst the Sardinian side looks
mournfully upwards at the other nineteen Serie A sides. Things aren’t all that bright in Rome though with poor
form amidst the ruins of high expectations.
The Rossoblu got well beaten by the Biancocelesti in Rome.
Neither side has it easy finding the net although Lazio do
better away than do Cagliari
at home. This could go either way but a
lot will depend on how much fight the Sardinians actually have; there are still
fourty five points to win.
Empoli V Catania
Wow and unexpected stuffing of the Azzurri leave the Azzurri
in grand fettle. Catania’s loss last week has them only a
point above Empoli but they generally play better football. This still has the makings of a relegation
six pointer.
Last time out the Elefanti beat Empoli.
Form is with Empoli on the back of two wins as opposed to
four losses. Neither side scores many
with Pozzi being the standout forward; an injury means though that neither side
really has any edge in that department.
Home form will probably tell but the points will be hard fought
for.
Livorno V Napoli
The loss to Inter is part of an Amaranto spiral downwards,
they want a few wins though to haul into themselves back into the mid table
melee. Two losses for the Azzurri is
uncreditable, given their weapons and defensive minded coach.
The home side lost in a tight one earlier this season.
Formation and personnel is crucial for Napoli,
stars are out and a choice between 352 and 443 is tough. Livorno will
look to take on a weakened team with verve and vim at home, the wrong result
will see them in the bottom three come Sunday night.
Roma V Fiorentina
Winning in Europe is
good. The legs don’t feel so tired and
the heart and mind are full of fire and confidence. The Giallorossi still have a task in the
second leg and La Viola contemplates the Blues.
Both sides have three domestic wins in the last five with Fiorentina
edging a point closer to Roma on the back of one loss less.
Florence
saw a combustible score draw last time the two sides met.
Roma have Juventus breathing fire from below and the smell
of old age liniment is wafting up from Milan. European football next year is a must, the
name of the Cup is more vital than life itself; if you were to believe the
media.
Should be a cracking game with two sides that have plenty of
weapons, decent stoppers and solid back lines.
Mutu has more goals than Totti, take away the penalties and it’s only
one more though, expect big things from both players.
Sampdoria V Inter
Licking his hand and combing it through his coiffure as
opposed to licking his wounds and criticizing referees. A Sampdoria starlet and a Scudetto winning
manager. Europe
and Anfield was a blow, the derby d’lanterna was also a blow but the goal and
the madman were magical.
Inter still seem to be unstoppable in the league and
vulnerable in Europe whilst a Cassano inspired
Sampdoria keep climbing the table.
The Blucerchiati were soundly thrashed in a one sided
Nerrazzurri mauling in Milan.
The midfield is getting out of it’s mess and now the defence
has just slipped into one, an abundance of strikers and goals is the key for
Inter. Cassano grows into the
inspiration for Sampdoria whilst Belluci keeps ban ging in the goals. Expect some fireworks, some histrionics and
possibly a cracking game and an Inter loss.
Of course Mancini might have kicked his players and himself so hard on
the flight back from England that Inter’ll be superkeen to stomp all over
Cassano and co.
Udinese V Genoa
The uns exy side in Serie A have started getting back to
winning ways now that the spotlight is turned elsewhere. The Grifani continue to stay in the middle of
the pack with some up and down play and results. The side from Udine boasts the only cappocannoniere in
waiting who does it without the spot.
Genoa
star Borriello bagged a hat trick earlier in the season.
Udinese have some potent weapons and a mean defence, Genoa’s are less potent
and mean though not without merit. The
home side would be favoured although Derby
results can be misleading. Could be
anyone’s a Genoa
goal early would be a nice start.
My Games of the Week.
Sampdoria V Inter is trumped (just) by Roma V Fiorentina
(keep your eye on a bounceback thrashing from Napoli)
What’s On FSC?
Reggina V Juventus (Sat)
Roma V Fiorentina (Sun)
Milan V Palermo (Sun)
Expect at least one Game Summary and another episode of
SERIE A IN BRIEF IN PICTURES.
"F. U. C. K. OFF YOU TOSSER, I HOPE YOU BREAK YOUR LEG!" "I HAD YOUR WIFE LAST WEEK!" THE PRE GAME PLEASNATRIES IN THE ENFORCED SERIE A HANDSHAKE CEREMONY!
EASIER THAN SCORING WITH TOTTI'S WIFE!
EH LADS! ANYONE GOT A DUMMY (COMFORTER) FOR THAT MISERABLE SMEG TOTTI!
GILARDINO COULDN'T SCORE WITH TOTT'IS WIFE!
SUPERPIPPO COULDN'T EITHER!
1000 MALDINI APPEARANCES CAN'T HIDE MILAN'S AWFUL PERFORMANCE AGAINST PARMA!
DAVID, THEY ARE SO SOFT! JUST WHAT DO YOU USE ON YOUR HANDS? PIG FAT AND DUCK LIVERS - WORKS A TREAT!
EY-UP! SPIN TWO THREE! TURN TWO THREE! LEAVE THESE TWO FAT GENOANS IN THE DUST TWO THREE! ITALIAN MADMAN LIVENS UP AN OTHERWISE AWFUL GAME WITH SOME STUNNING SKILLS!
BABY! YES! OH YES! IT WENT IN! MAGGIO SCORES AFTER SO MANY BEAUTIFUL SET UPS!
Internaz ionale extend their lead at the top of the table
with a win at home; a loss from Roma and a Juventus draw help matters. Some topsy turvy results panned out last
week. The battle for the lesser European
places and the scrap to avoid relegation look to be the most open as the season
unfolds. Plenty of points on offer and
some tough games for everyone could leave most things until the last day of the
season. Last week’s surprise teams were
Lazio, Napoli, Atalanta, Torino, Siena along
with Roma and lowly Cagliari.
Some of the Azzurri's stars will be on show in Serie A this week.
FIXTURES
Atalanta V Fiorentina
La Viola were below par; particularly in front of goal; last
week and face a tough game in Bergamo. Fresh from a spectacular game in Parma last week the Orobici
will be buoyant despite Fiorentina’s position and pedigree.
Only eight points separate the two teams and they’ve been
close in terms of results recently as well.
Expect a tight one at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia. Earlier this season the game ended 2-2 in Florence with a last gasp
equalizer from Zampagna.
Prandelli has a strong squad and will expect much from his
defence; strong this season away; and a return to form in front of goal for his
strikers.
Del Neri is without Doni although other players will return. Width will be the key with Langella in
excellent form.
Cagliari V Parma
A not quite relegation six pointer. Both teams got unexpected results last week
and will be expecting to improve this week.
Parma’s loss at home dropped them into
trouble and a shoddy Juventus defence let Cagliari
bag a point in Turin.
Five points separate the two sides and the Rossublu will be buoyant
with the Gialloblu being winless away.
Two draws in their two previous would suggest a tight game
at the Stadio Sant’Elia although Cagliari
has a slightly better record of late.
Ballardini must cope with injuries and find a way for his
team to score. Di Carlo must work around
some suspensions and returning players and will want his new signing Lucarelli
to put last week’s penalty miss out of his mind.
Catania V Internaz ionale
The Elefanti lost and the Nerrazzurri won last week, pundits
will think the same will happen this week as the Serie A table toppers seek to
strengthen their grip on the Scudetto.
Thirty points separate the teams. Catania
is strong at the Stadio Massimino although Inter are still winless despite
their less than stellar 2008.
Last two games both went to Inter who scored seven goals to Catania’s two. The form suggests an away win although Catania will have taken heart from Siena’s victory last week.
The Rossazzurri will relay on defence and not goals to get
the right result and Baldini has to manage with some injuries, particularly up
front. The Nerrazzuri are in fine form
in front of goal and Cesar is playing well at the other end, much will depend
on Mancini’s use of tactics and personnel; his midfield is still less than
complete as Viera misses the next two games.
Empoli V Lazio
The Azzurri are in a slump and good be looking up at nineteen
teams come Sunday night; the Biancocelesti will be buoyed by a tough win at
home.
Only seven points separate the two sides who are both in the
wrong half of the table.
Last two games ended in draws, not exactly tight just not
exactly stunning football. This game
will depend more on grit then flair.
Rossi will want the integration of his January signings to
increase pace although Ballotta (the oldest man in Serie A) has been decent at
the back; he’s still mostly scuppered by injuries though. Malesani is hampered by injuries and a striker
who missed a penalty kick. Rocchi’s
return to his old club may provide an interesting aside throughout the
match.
Livorno V Genoa
The Grifone won well at home last week and The Amaranto lost
a close one.
Seven points separate the teams putting the away side still
with a shout at Europe and the away side with
a chance to go down.
Last game was a one all draw with Tavano and Borriello
scoring. This one could be a more free
scoring affair with Borriello in form for Genoa
and Bogdani, Tristan or Tavano capable of getting goals.
Genoa
have the form coming into the match, Gasperini has his first choice ‘keeper
back although he does have injury trouble.
Camolese’s team are solid enough at the Stadio Armando Picchi and have
played well until they get into the penalty box in the last few games,
suspensions and injuries are hurting them.
Milan V Siena
Both teams won last week, the Rossoneri won hard against Fiorentina
and the Robur popped up with the surprise and heavy defeat of Roma.
Thirteen points separate the teams with Milan
still having a game in hand, Siena are on the
cusp of a relegation dogfight and Milan
stand to make a play for the final Champions League spot.
Last two games have been draws so Siena
will fancy beating a tired and injured Milan
side.
Berretta is likely to keep faith with the side that beat
Roma. Ancelloti has a well published
headache with injuries so fringe players will have to step up, the relatively
poor form this season at the Stadio Guiseppe Meazza will also be a
concern.
Roma V Reggina
The shock defeat to Siena
last week saw the Giallorossi’s Scudetto hopes take a hammering. The Amaranto took a beating as well in a
relegations six pointer.
Twenty seven points separate the teams this week although
both teams are in scraps they are of a very different nature.
Roma beat Reggina twice in two without conceding and scoring
five. A loss could see Reggina bottom on
Sunday.
Uliveri will be desperate for any and all points as he
starts a difficult run, he doesn’t have too many injuries or suspensions to
contend with, and he’ll rely on Amoruso and Vigiani. Spalletti will feel his team are a stronger
opponent at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome and will need to reenergize his squad,
a few injuries aren’t all that damaging to the team as more than capable
players can step in, Totti will be the focus of one half of Rome for this
match. Lazio supporters don’t really
care for an Azzurri win inspired by Totti.
Sampdoria V Napoli
Cassano couldn’t inspire the Blucerchiati last week whilst
Lavezzi certainly inspired an Azzurri victory.
A solitary point and two teams split Samp from Napoli, this is a mid table clash with a lot at stake,
least of all beating the teams around you.
Napoli beat Sampdoria at
home earlier in the season so revenge will be a factor.
Reja has defensive problems so will rely on his midfield and
attacking pair to get at least a point.
The Stadio Luigis Ferraris is a formidable place for Sampdoria and
Cassano is in fine form, Doria has injuries in the middle, nothing too serious
though as Volpi hasn’t been up to scratch this season.
Torino V Palermo
The Granata scored three in a win last week whilst the
Rosanero managed just one in their win.
Neither side has been stellar of late and they both managed the three
points for the first time in five games.
Seven points separate the two teams who haven’t lived up to
some of their early season expectations.
Two draws in two suggest a tight one and with Palermo fielding some former Torino
players things could get testy.
Guidolin has a few injury problems, nothing major and is likely
to start Cavani who played well against Livorno. Even the Stadio Olimpico is not a great place
for Torino; they draw a lot at home. Novellino has plenty of injury worries, particularly
at the back.
Udinese V Juventus
Neither team got the expected result last week. The Zebretta got stunned in Naples
and the Bianconeri couldn’t beat lowly Cagliari.
The Zebrette are eight points behind the Bianconeri and the black
and white derby is important to both teams’ European aspirations.
Udinese lost to Juventus earlier in the season but only by a
solitary goal.
The Stadio Friuli is a good place for Udinese; Marino has
injury problems but retains his overall solidity in defence. Ranierii has more pressing injury worries
with Trezeguet a doubt, although Iaqunita is a capable understudy.
My Game of the
Week.
Sampdoria V Napoli (but keep your eye on Udinese, Atalanta and
Milan)
The Blucerchiati’s star man is the difference between the sides in an
open and entertaining attack minded game of football. Cassano hit the bar early on and is
instrumental in Mazzarri’s steady rebuilding process.
Stadio Luigi Ferraris was well
attended and noisy as befits a Sampdoria home game, a crowd once turned off by
Mazzarri is warming to the new manager.
Mazzarri fielded a reasonable
side, although hardly his strongest. Castellazzi
kept goal behind a back three of Lucchini, Gastaldelio and Accardi. Francheschini anchored the midfield with Maggio,
Palombo, Volpi and Pieri operating in front of him. Cassano and Bellucci are the attacking
pairing. Pretty much a 3 5 2.
Beretta’s team was good and
attack minded. Manninger keeps goal
behind a back four of Rossellini, Portanova, Loria and De Ceglie. ####ssola, Codrea and Gallopa work the
midfield with Locatelli sitting behind a front two of Maccarone and Frick. Just about a 4 3 1 2.
Sampdoria start the brighter of
the two sides with Cassano hitting the bar with a screamer early on. Castellazzi punches clear just above Frick on
a Siena cross
as the game starts at a bright pace with attacking intent.
Locatelli gets some action as the
ball is moving swiftly and purposely from end to end, neither keeper is severely
tested and in front of a vocal crowd the tackles are full blooded although not
malicious.
Everything Sampdoria is going
through Cassano who is getting a good kicking for his talents. Neither team has a final ball just yet then
things take a wrong turn for Siena
as Loccatelli goes off injured to be replaced by Forestieri.
Frick forces a stumbling save
from Castellazzi from a lovely Maccarone pass.
Manninger parries well from Bellucci
The game flows from one team to
another, the crowd a measure of when Sampdoria are on top. The home side is finishing strong and the crowd
gets behind them.
Just before the break Pieri’s belligerence
keeps a move alive and the ball is played in from the left, Cassano is the
first to move and his marker-baffling turn is surpassed by a sublime curler
past the redshirtedandshorted Manninger into the far corner.
The fans go wild and Cassano
shows the love he has for Mazzarri.
YMCA! ITS FUN TO SING IT SO YMCA!
Half time sees no changes for
either side.
Siena hit the second half with a some fire in
their play although when the pressure results in a dangerously placed free kick
Galloppa just hoofs it over, zealously over.
Sampdoria funnel their play
through Cassano, only Bellucci is coming close to his class and touch but they look
more threatening in the final third than Siena.
Rigano is swapped in for Frick to
give a bit more bite in the attack and play flows nicely from end to end. It takes Rigano almost ten minutes before he
is able to test Castellazzi.
Sampdoria are defending well and Siena is finding it hard
to prise any openings, their quality up front can’t slice open the
Blucerchiati.
The crowd is solidly behind it’s
players and Sampdoria gradually assert themselves.
Rigano finds himself free and
clear, ten yards out as the ball comes to him from a melee. His first, second and third touches aren’t
good, he’s closed down and the brilliant opening disappears.
Then Codrea’s short manages to
test Castellazzi.
Sampdoria get professional in the
last twenty, meaty tackles fly and the boys in blue go down real easy,
successfully disrupting any rhythm Siena
may build.
Delvecchio’s introduction with
ten to go seals Siena’s
fate.
The renowned ‘hard man’ takes the
opportunity to kick a few Siena
players and tumble to the grass writhing in agony at the merest suggestion of
contact. Professional, sure; sporting,
not really.
Mazzarri is making progress, both
on the pitch and with the fans. He has a
gem in Cassano although Bellucci has his name high up on the cappocannonieri
list.
His side plays a neat brand of
football and retains a solid back line.
A UEFA Cup spot is a realistic goal for this season.
Siena is in trouble. They play well but dropping points when other
around them scrape draws is Serie B form.
They played well today bright and
attacking and held Sampdoria for long periods in the game. They don’t quite have a Cassano to unlock
other teams. Results against teams in
the bottom half of the table will decide their fate.
Referee did well, the game was
full blooded and he didn’t hand out silly cards.
Inter####onale are in top spot. Consistently winning; even whilst playing
poorly; is a feature of most of their campaign to date. The title is theirs to lose. The restart of European competition will have
a big impact on the UEFA Cup and Champions League places. Juventus, Udinese and Palermo don’t have any European football to
look forward to or provide a distraction.
Inter, Milan
and Roma have the Champions League and Fiorentina have the UEFA Cup as a
distraction.
SERIE A TRANSFERS
ATALANTA
Out: Zampagna (A, Vicenza)
CAGLIARI – some
strengthening of their goalkeeping and looking for goals in order to avoid
Serie B next season.
FIORENTINA – even more depth in attack to
maintain their UEFA Cup spot.
In: Cacia (A, Piacenza)
GENOA – help at the
back and in attack, to help push for a UEFA Cup place.
In: Criscito (D, Juventus), Masiero (A, Central
Espanol), Wilson (A, Corinthians)
INTER – bolstering the injury hit midfield
with creativity and experience.
In: Maniche (M, Atletico Madrid)
Out: Adriano (A, Sao Paulo)
JUVENTUS
Out: Criscito (D, Genoa),
Olivera (M, Penarol)
LAZIO
LIVORNO – strengthening the
defence to avoid relegation trouble.
In: Sidny (D, Nautico)
MILAN – bagging the
most talked about Brazilian eighteen year old in years to help them in Europe and take them to a Champions League place.
In: Pato (A, Internacional)
NAPOLI
Out: Gatti (M, Modena)
PALERMO
Out: Brienza (M, Reggina)
PARMA – last season he
bagged 20 goals for Livorno, he’ll help them
avoid becoming embroiled in a relegation battle.
In: Lucarelli (A, Shakhtar Donetsk)
Out: Cardone (D, Cesena), Paponi (A, Cesena)
REGGINA – defensive help and proven young
goalscorer in their battle to stay up.
In: Cirillo (D, Levante), Stuani (A, Danubio)
ROMA
SAMPDORIA
Out: Foti (A, Messina)
SIENA – two more
attacking options, to help balance their goal difference.
In: Porta (A, River Plate Montevideo),
Rigano' (A, Levante)
Out: Bucchi (A, Bologna)
TORINO
UDINESE
Out: Sivok (M, Sparta Prague)
FIXTURES
Fiorentina V Torino
A midweek cup trouncing might not get any better in Florence. La Viola is strong and coming of####ood win and
with Europe coming up and the European spots
up for grabs they have plenty to play for.
The manager also seems to be right back in the game. The Gigliati are at full strength and Granata
are struggling with injuries. Last week
Fiorentina won and Torino lost.
The Nerrazzurri scraped a win last week but expect a
different side at the Stadio Meazza.
Maniche is unlikely to get an outing as will Parma’s new signing Lucarelli. Expect a home win but don’t be surprised if
Lucarelli returns to Serie A with a ####.
Parma hasn’t
won away from home yet and a loss won’t help their slide into the relegation
quagmire. Both sides are at less than
full strength but Mancini’s charges have plenty of depth. Last week Inter won and Parma lost.
Genoa V Atalanta
Great result for Genoa
last week and they’ll need to play just as well to leapfrog Atalanta in the
race for a UEFA Cup place. Expect a home
win but this could be a cracking game. Genoa loses their top
Honduran and Doni is back for Atalanta.
Last week Genoa
won and Atalanta lost.
Juventus V Sampdoria
A draw for the Bianconeri; a lucky one at that; will need to
be erased by a home win. Juventus can’t
lose their position but they will not want to slip any further behind Roma or allow
Udinese and Fiorentina to catch up. Sampdoria
were on fire last week and will relish this tough away challenge despite having
a less than stellar form on the road.
Sampdoria don’t have a full compliment of strikers and Juventus are a
touch short in defence. Tiago may
start. Last week Juventus drew and
Sampdoria won.
Livorno V Empoli
Already a relegation six pointer and a local derby will make
this fixture shine (although last season it remained goalless). Livorno is
unbeaten in five and playing well under a new manager and Empoli are
struggling, with their last win coming in 2007.
Empoli are at less than full strength and poor on the road. Last week Livorno
won and Empoli drew.
Napoli V Lazio
Napoli needs to regain
their early season form if they are to mount a challenge on a European
place. The strikers and goalkeepers are
kept busy in Naples
so expect a few goals; from either team.
Lazio continue their poor form.
Gargano will be a loss to Napoli but
Lazio has plenty of injury worries. Last
week both teams lost.
Palermo V Siena
Palermo
come off an erratic run of form but are still riding high in Serie A, another
loss will dent their UEFA Cup ambitions and could see them drop places. Siena
are in deep trouble and really struggle on the road; one win in eight. This must be the start of the Bianconeri’s
relegation dogfight, particularly as they showed so well against Inter last
week. Expect goals with both teams
wanting the win. Last week Palermo and Siena
lost.
Reggina V Cagliari
Reggina are struggling but Cagliari is awful. A huge game for both teams. Another loss and Cagliari will be playing for pride, a Reggina
loss helps them not a jot. Amaruso will
be the difference maker and will want to shine so as to stake a place in another
Serie A side next season. History is
with the home side and the visitors have their share of injury woes. Last week Reggina grabbed a point and Cagliari lost;
again.
Roma V Catania
Second place needs defended and the visit of Catania is an almost certain three points, last season Catania got thrashed
7-0. Catania hasn’t won on the road this season
and nothing is likely to change here, Mancini is in a good run of form and
Spinesi is wearing his shooting boots.
The result against Juventus will give the Sicilians heart for this
fixture. Last week Roma won and Catania were robbed of
three points.
Udinese V Milan
Possibly the biggest game of the weekend. Milan is
certainly going to be tested by a very strong Udinese side that has only lost
once in Udine. Milan’s
away form is better than their play in the Stadio Meazza though. Pirlo’s absence will be a tough blow to
overcome; Gattuso is fiery but doesn’t have the ball skills that Pirlo
has. The three Brazilians will face a
tougher test against a tough Udinese back line than they did against Napoli. The Azzuri
have some injury and suspension problems but Quagliarella is in form, history
favours the Rossoneri. Last week both
these teams won and will be looking to continue the trend to solidify their
European aspirations for the home side and to climb the table for the
visitors.
A.C. Milan
has left the country but the Serie a fixture is packed with tasty games this
weekend.
Italian football's best player gets his hands on a golden ball.
Internaz ionale are still the form team, closely followed by
A.S. Roma, the top two have opened a gap on the other teams; albeit a small
one. With three games two go before the
Winter break the chasers will want to close the gap before it becomes a chasm.
Empoli (20th)
v Cagliari (18th)
A real relegation six pointer so early in the season. Empoli have been poor; home and away this
season; with the exception of a win over A. C. Milan at the San Siro.
Two weak defences and the worst Italian top flight attack
might suggest plenty of goals; I’d beg to differ; last season this fixture was
1-0 and Cagliari don’t travel to the Stadio Castellini very well.
Injuries to the Cagliari
‘keeper will be the focal point of Empoli’s attack; Foggia may be back to his best for this
game. A dourish and close home win.
Genoa (13th) v Siena (17th)
A win for Siena
would take them away from the crowd at the bottom of the table. With only a
victory against Empoli this season they are struggling for points, a full squad
to pick from will help but a less than stellar away record doesn’t favour the
Bianconeri.
Genoa are a mixed bag this
season, good wins against Udinese and Napoli
have been balanced with a thrashing by Internaz ionale. The home side scores freely at home but also
have defensive problems, having Bega out on a suspension won’t help.
Home advantage should mean a Genoa victory. Don’t hold your breath for a cracker unless Genoa regains their early
season form.
Internaz ionale (1st)
v Torino (12th)
The Nerazzurri welcome Torino
with open arms, despite their injury worries.
The Turin
team is winless on the road and Internaz ionale are dominant at home.
Six goals for the home side in the two fixtures last season
and a relatively bounteous selection of forwards to choose from would suggest a
home romp. The Turin
team are likely to favour a 4 4 2 and have done well against Milan and Juventus this season, the need to
win this; in the first of three tough games; is immense. Ventola may have a point to prove and the
midfield will be strengthened with the return of Grella and Barone (has anyone
seen DangerMouse?). Expect a home win.
Juventus (3rd)
v Atalanta (6th)
Atalanta are calmly going about making a Bergamo size dent
in Serie A this season, they have done it without the attention of a Napoli or
Palermo. The comfortable win last week
was a wake up call to many in the league. The Orobici will be feeling good with a solid
if unspectacular away record. Doni is
better at home than away but adds a touch of class to a more workmanlike team.
Juventus are getting better as the season wears on, the lack
of European football is a huge help and the players that took them easily to
the top of Serie B are doing the same in Serie A. Goal scoring isn’t the Bianconeri’s issue at
home but their defence can be a touch shaky at times.
Doni will have to be on fire and the Juventus backline have
a clanger for an away win in the Stadio Olimpico. Home win.
Lazio (15th)
v Catania (10th)
Lazio are having a poor season, struggling in Italy and in Europe
they have all but imploded this season. Rossi
is under pressure and a loss here might be his last hurrah for the
Biancocelesti. They have a host of
injuries and are leaking goals at home.
Catania
will be buoyant after a stonking win against their Sicilian neighbours last
week. Martinez and Tedesco will be absent due to suspension
but they have plenty of quality in the side.
The Rossoazzurri front man Spinesi will be a threat but goals from
elsewhere may be harder to come by.
Not winning away this season may change this weekend, Lazio
will be shell shocked and tired from the Inter drubbing in midweek. Pride and safety can make excellent
motivators though. I’d go for an entertaining
draw.
Livorno (16th) v Roma (2nd)
Livorno is hovering above
the trouble zone this week but welcome an in form Roma to the Armando
Picchi. The Tuscan’s have been
marginally better away this season but took two points off Internaz ionale at
home. If Tavano has a good game they can
expect some goals from a sometimes error prone Roma defence.
The Giallorossi need to put away teams such as Livorno to keep Internaz ionale in their sights. Totti’s likely return will be a boost to
Spalletti, although it remains to be seen whether the Italian and Montenegrin
can operate in tandem; as they are likely to do at the weekend.
Unless Roma have a howler and Livorno; Amelia in particular;
have a blinder then an away win is on the cards, Roma are a stronger team than
last year when they came away from Tuscany
with a draw.
Napoli (9th)
v Parma (14th)
Tough game for Napoli after
last week’s defeat. They are much better
home than away so should be optimistic.
Reja is likely to field an unchanged side; one alteration due to
suspension aside; such is his confidence in his players. They have plenty of goals in them but the
Azzurri can be dodgy at the back.
Parma
has a chance to match them on points with a win. A recent run of good form has coincided with
a return to a 4 4 2, the Gialloblu will rely on Manchester misfit Corradi and Pisanu for
goals but have struggled late in games at times this season.
A tough one to call but I’ll go for the Azzurri on this one,
home form and their foreign strike force will give them all three points.
Palermo (11th) v Fiorentina (5th)
La Viola need a win to change their momentum and hasn’t lost
on their travels this season. Prandelli’s
loss will be professionally put aside in what is almost a must win game. Goals have been the recent problem, Mutu
hasn’t been on target since the Siena
win although Pazzini and Vieri have both found the net recently. Three games without a win isn’t Champions
League spot football.
Palermo had a tough loss last week and much will depend on
whether they go 4 5 1 or 4 4 2, they have been much better looking and more
dangerous in the latter formation, Amauri benefits from a little attacking
help. Last week they squandered a number
of half chances and will need to be better in front of goal this week. Caserta’s
suspension is a blow but the reintroduction of Miccoli and Cavani should help
things out up front.
The home crowd maybe a twelfth man but Fiorentina are a
strong side. I think you may see some
fireworks in the Renzo Barbera, most of them actually on the pitch. High scoring draw.
Udinese (4th)
v Sampdoria (7th)
The team from Udine
will want to bounce back after a loss to Roma.
Lack of a strong midfield will be the key for Udinese, if they can
manage without one they will win. Tough
to beat and obdurate they are good at home and their loss to Internaz ionale
was their first in nine games.
Sampdoria are a topsy turvy team, they can set a stadium
alight or bore the crowds with some turgid football; rarely do they attain a
middle ground. Cassano can set them on
fire but his ego is still a major problem.
A fit Bellucci will cause the Zebrette problems but their poor away
record in defence may be exploited.
Tense encounter given the importance of the game but Udinese
will sneak the points.
My games of the week this weekend are Juventus v Atalanta
and Palermo v
Fiorentina. Both sets of teams are close
in terms of their current standings and a good or bad result this weekend can
be a tough one to bounce back from or huge boost just before Christmas.
If you have FSC, the games from Turin,
Sicily and Milan will be broadcast. I’ll hope to do both my games of the week in
a summary.
The Scuddetto race is only a quarter complete and certain
issues are becoming clearer. Favourites
are emerging, train wrecks are happening before our eyes and the usual suspects
are scrapping for the crumbs
A general overview:-
Internaz ionale remain strong despite some early
faltering. Juventus are for real. Lazio and Milan are in trouble already. Fiorentina aren’t a one season wonder and Napoli is making their mark on the top Italian
division. Palermo,
Udinese, Atalanta and Catania
are a pleasant surprise and Sampdoria a dissapointment. Genoa is
struggling and the usual mess of Siena, Cagliari, Empoli, Livorno
and Reggina are already mired in a relegation battle.
Team by team:-
Internaz ionale:-
Mancini has put together a strong squad; their bench is full
of internationals. Injuries to Figo and
Stankovic will hamper the current champions, but a run out for Dacourt in
midweek and the versatility of Cambiaso and Zanetti will ease the manager’s worries. Chivu is starting to find his feet and is a
dangerous set piece expert. Ibrahimovic
remains the main striker and the most difficult of Mancini’s decisions
surrounds who partners him up front with Adriano, Suazo, Crespo and Cruz all
netting recently.
A schedule which has seen them play some top and bottom
sides; with mixed results but still on top and unbeaten; will continue to be a
mixed bag with no really tough stretches, the next big game for the league
leaders is away to Fiorentina on matchday 14.
Fiorentina:-
Prandelli is building on the UEFA Cup spot from last season;
despite starting the season with a 19 point deficit. Mutu is hitting a rich vein of form. Vieri is helping to fill the Luca Toni shaped
hole in their front line. Gamberini and
Dainelli have helped La Viola remain unbeaten.
Frey is pushing for a place as a starter for France and his keeping has been
solid, last week his world class save against Lazio gave La Viola the three
points ensuring they go second.
A schedule which has seen them take points from Roma, Milan, and Juventus and beat the upstarts of Naples sees them unbeaten but unable to turn draws into
wins at Genoa
or Atalanta. The upcoming games for the Florence team include tough trips to Palermo and Sampdoria with two tough home
games against Internaz ionale and Udinese.
The Reggina game should be a relatively easy three points.
Roma:-
Having finished one of the toughest opening schedules in
Serie A in years the Giallorossi are still third. Despite an injury to talismanic Captain Totti
Roma has played well. Mancini is still
adjusting to Serie A and can blow hot or cold, Vucinic is stepping up to the
lone striker role well. Giuly has
adapted well and is becoming more consistent.
Mexes and Juan still remain a touch green but are generally solid. Doni would be the only real weak link in the
side, his performance against Sporting was less than stellar.
The schedule for the Roman team gets easier for the next few
weeks with no game against the top four before the winter break.
Juventus:-
Fresh from a season in the dungeon of Serie B the Bianconeri
are back in Serie A with a vengance. Raineri
has moulded a good side and with Trezeguet firing on all cylinders the goals
are flowing freely. Contract worries
over Del Piero have rightly been quashed and Nedved is finding a rich vein of
form. Buffon; still reputedly the
world’s best; is solid as ever but they have still shipped goals and lost games
this season.
A schedule that has seen the Old Lady take points from
Internaz ionale and Roma with late goals has also seen them drop points against
Udinese and Napoli. This has been interspersed with emphatic wins
against Livorno and Reggina and a tough Derby
win against Torino.
Tough upcoming games for Juventus include the visit of Palermo and a trip to Milan.
Udinese, Atalanta, Napoli and Palermo are fighting for the UEFA Cup places
in Serie A. Each team has started the
season well but with only nine points separating Udinese; in fifth place and
Lazio in fithteenth place a slip up can drop a team down several places.
This is the Serie A dogfight. Teams don’t have the resources to buy in big
name players or have large squads; they have to rely on younger players coming
through and older stars refinding their past form. These teams should be endeavoring to beat the
teams below them and take points of the teams above them. Any one of these teams could face mid table
mediocrity at the season’s end or find themselves in a Champions league spot.
Udinese have Asamoah and Di Natale finding the net and
manager Marino has shown his flair for an attacking team that doesn’t forget
how to defend.
Atalanta has Doni in form and Zampagna and Langella finding
the net. Del Neri has shown what he can
do with some Flying Donkeys but has yet to find the right club since leaving
Cheivo back in Serie B.
Napoli has been a pleasant
surprise upon their Serie A return.
Lavezzi has been wonderful up front and Zalayeta, Domizzi and Sosa have
been finding the net. Despite tough
losses; their defeat to Inter#### onale they have continued to commit
themselves to a brand of attacking football that is pleasing to watch. Reja is proving to be a good choice as
manager.
Palermo
have Amauri in good form and paired with Miccoli provides the Rosanero with a
useful strikeforce. Too many draws have
put pressure on Colantuono for a home win.
Week 12 fixtures:-
Atalanta v Milan:-
Sixth versus ninth.
Ancelotti has all but Jankulovski fit.
Del Neri has Talamonti, Costinha, Bellini injured and Zampagna and De Ascentis
suspended. Unbeaten at home faces a Milan team with a better
away record then home record. History
suggests a home win but what does she know.
Fiorentina v Udinese:-
Second versus fifth.
Gamberini is injured for Prandelli.
Marino has Pinzi and Ferronetti as doubts but sees the likely return of
Asamoah up front. An unbeaten home side
in fine form against a team with a patchy away record. The result should see three points for La
Viola.
Internaz ionale v Lazio:-
First versus fifthteenth.
Mancini has his team on fire and full of confidence following the four
goal turnaround in midweek. Figo,
Stankovic, Viera, Materazzi and Toldo are all injured. Rossi is without Zauri, Mauri, Diakhite, Siviglia, Del
Nero, all injured but Pandev could return.
The midweek win will boost their confidence.
Probably an easy three points for Inter but Lazio can always
spring a surprise in the big games.
Palermo v Napoli:-
Eighth versus seventh.
Blassi is injured for Reja.
Amauri is suspended and Miccoli doubtful for Colantuono. Tough to call. Figure on an away win with the home teams
best strikers both out.
Parma
v Juventus:-
Fourteenth versus fourth.
Di Carlo has Cardone, Budan injured and Couto suspended. Ranieri has Boumsong out along with Andrade
and Nedved suspended.
History doesn’t bode well for Parma
and a Bianconeri side that have scored eight outside Turin
against a Parma
side that has shipped ten goals at home seems to suggest an away win and the
possible firing of Di Carlo.
Reggina v Genoa:-
Bottom versus eleventh.
Uliveri has Garcia and Tognozzi out injured. Gasperini has Waigo and Santos injured with Borriello suspended. Who can really tell how this game will
end. Anything from a dull goalless
snorefest to a rampaging seven goal thriller is possible.
Roma v Cagliari:-
Third versus seventeenth.
Spalletti will be without Aquilani but Totti may return. Pisano, Lopez are out for Giampaolo. Even the rigours of a 2-2 draw against
Sporting should see the Giallorossi with enough legs left to see off a
trembling Rossoblu.
Sampdoria v Empoli:-
Twelfth versus eighteenth.
Mazzarri is without Cassano, Delvecchio, Lucchini, Accardi and Pieri is
suspended. Cagni deals with injuries to
Balli and Volpato with Saudati suspended.
A must win for either team who both came back in week eleven from poor
week ten result. Anybodies guess but I’d
go for a home win.
Siena v Livorno:-
Sixteenth versus nineteenth.
Mandorlini is without the injured ####ssola and Forestieri. Suspended De Vezze and injures Giannichedda
and Vidigal are absentees for Camolese.
Several bore draws have been the results in frequent Tuscan
derbies. So a repeat of the 6-3 Siena victory in the
2004/05 season seems unlikely. Snore
Draw!
Torino v Catania:-
Thirteenth versus tenth.
High flying Catania
manager Baldini has Silvestri injured.
Novellino will miss Bjelanovic and Vailatti through suspension and
Recoba, Barone and Grella through injury.
Could be a spine tingler, Catania will look to bounce back after being beaten
at home to Atalanta and Torino look to build on a hard fought San Siro
draw. Possibly a high scoring draw.
Game of the week:-
At first glance it appears to be Palermo
v Napoli but with Amauri out I’d actually go
for Fiorentina v Udinese. The vagaries
of FSC’s scheduling means I don’t yet know which game(s) I’ll be doing a
wonderfully crafted game summary for.
Milan,
Roma, Lazio and Internaz ionale played in midweek so perhaps they will suffer
from post Champions League fatigue.
Fiorentina played in the UEFA Cup Thursday but they didn’t have to
travel so might not feel as groggy as some.
Under strength Nerrazzuri thrash under strength Blucherratti; 3-0 at the San Siro.
San Siro on a wet Wednesday. The Stadio Guiseppe Meazza hosted a tenth place Sampdoria with Inter Milan looking to go top of Serie a with a win and other result going their way; not a large crowd but they were pretty vocal.
Mancini; without Maicon; suspended; picked an attacking side; Cesar stayed in goal with a South American back four of Zanetti, Samuel, Cordoba and Cesar; Figo and Cambiaso played wide with Dacourt and Maxwell in the middle, goal machine, Ibrahimovic partnered Crespo up front.
Matzarri, without Volpe and Montella still didn’t start Cassano; Mirante; ex Juve ‘keeper was protected by a back three of Campagnaro, Sala and Lucchini, a midfield five of Zenoni and Ziegler on the flanks with Palombo and Franceschini in the middle, Sammarco played a more forward role; up front Carracciolo partnered Bellucci.
A scrappy first twenty minutes saw neither team really dominate, Inter were solid at the back but couldn’t quite find their rhythm, Sampdoria had no final ball and could barely make it out of midfield; Figo was the brightest of the home team and Campagnaro had a chance at one end and played solidly at the other.
The best chance of the first part of the game fell to Sampdoria, an Inter free kick was cleared up field quickly, Carracciolo gets onto it on the left and Cesar comes out only to rethink his decision and back pedal towards his goal as the ball gets put into the danger area, no one from the visitors is in a position to capitalize on the empty goal.
In the words of the commentator; “JULIO CESAR, SOME QUESTION MARKS ON HIS KEEPING, HE WENT CHASING BUTTERFLIES ON THAT OCCASION, JUST COMPLETELY FOUND HIMSELF OUT OF POSITION”
The scare must have shocked Inter, they start to dominate the game, keeping the ball in midfield and looking for good balls on the flanks or through the middle; Zenoni has a good cross cleared; Figo feeds Zanetti who forces a corner; Ziegler, Palombo combine to set up Sammarco but his shot is a yard wide; Maxwell and Cesar carve open Sampdoria on the left; then comes the break through, Maxwell lets a ball from Crespo cross his body and the big Swede drives towards goal and cuts the ball back across Mirante for a great finish and the lead.
Cambiaso plays a ball into Crespo, almost a goal made in Argentina but the forwards back heel is too soft and Mirante claims; Cesar again combines with Maxwell and the ball is fired into the near post, Crespo is onto it but Mirante saves well; despite pressure from Crespo and the flying feet of Campagnaro.
Towards the end of the half Inter turn the screw, keeping possession and defended well from a lacklustre Sampdoria side.
Ibrahimovic drifts wide and plays the ball back inside for Dacourt, he delivers a great ball for Cesar who shots across Mirante, it flies past the far post; Mirante picks a ball destined for Crespo out of the air and Zanetti waste the chance to deliver a good cross into the box.
Ibrahimovic is a class act and alongside Samuel has been Inter’s best player, all of the home side has turned up tonight though.
No half time changes.
A bright start for both teams but Inter have the class and talent to pull it off; Crespo playing in Cesar in the area and almost getting a cheeky back heel in return; Sammarco can’t get to a back post cross.
The rain doesn’t really seem to be affecting play too much, the odd slip here and there but nothing major.
Ibrahimovic shows his control and finishing as he gets the ball on the edge of the D; he out muscles Palombo then cuts through two more defenders and rifles a left foot shot past Mirante for his second of the night.
For a whole the Sampdoria back line is all sixes and sevens; Inter don’t manage to take advantage.
Cassano finally comes on in and has an immediate impact; drawing a foul from his good buddy Dacourt; the youngster gives Sampdoria options when going forward.
Samuel; excellent all night; stops Carracciolo dead with a great tackle.
Maxwell plays in Crespo with a telling ball from the right; the Argentinean side foots it his Portuguese team mate who fires one past a flailing Mirante; the defence was poor as was the keeping but the finish was still on target.
As the game wound down Inter dominated, Sampdoria wee mostly toothless up front and Cesar didn’t have a save to make all night; although he can thank the post for keeping Campagnaro’s header out.
Without Ibrahimovic Inter didn’t look quite as good.
A well needed result for Mancini against his former team; the side took a while to get going but once they did they easily handled a lacklustre Sampdoria side. Figo showed he still has some great balls despite losing a little pace, Cambiaso, Maxwell and Dacourt were great both ways in midfield, Crespo worked hard and did a lot of useful running; Cesar and Zanetti worked well on the flanks and Samuel was excellent alongside the mistake free Cordoba, Cesar had one terrible error, but got away with it and had practically nothing to do all night.
Sampdoria were under strength but they still got it handed to them. Cassano was obviously classier than most of his team mates when he came on, Ziegler did well despite a frustrating night against the veteran Argentinean and Campagnaro was good at the back.
The referee had a pretty good one tonight, his two cards were reasonable and he let the game flow, sometimes almost too much as he had a bad spot towards the end of the second half where he made a few bloopers, nothing major though.
Inter####onale:-
Cesar
Zanetti
Cordoba
Samuel
Cesar
Figo (Suazo 83)
Dacourt
Maxwell
Cambiaso
Crespo (Pele 75)
Ibrahimovic (Adriano 63)
So what is going on in Serie
A? Squad numbers have gone bananas! Players are taking the field with #85, #77
and #64 on their shirts. This isn’t a
one team phenomenon either, seems all the Serie A teams are getting in on the
ridiculously high squad number band wagon.
The second thing I’ve noticed is
the red cross on a white background. I
know this as the Cross of St George, England’s Patron Saint. It’s the English flag. So far I’ve seen it on Sampdoria’s home
shirts and Inter Milan are proudly wearing the symbol emblazoned on their away
kit.
So why do the Nerrazzurri wear
white shirts emblazoned with a red cross as their away shirt?
Finally, the naysayers who
criticize Italian games for having no; or little; atmosphere due to the stadia
not being full.
You have obviously never been to
an Italian game.
The Ultras start the chanting and
signing well before kick off, firework displays and distress flares wreath the
grounds in smoke, you even have the nutters who spend the whole time; back to
the game; urging their fellow Tiffosi to even nosier celebrations.
Go to Italy, watch a game and realize
that compared to a lot of Italian football matches Premier League games are
supported in a different way. The
behaviour of fans in the San Siro or Stadio Olimpico wouldn’t be tolerated at
Old Trafford.
Please leave out the football
violence, I’ve seen how bad and good Italian football can be at close quarters
numerous times.
